Authorities in Reading, Pennsylvania, have announced that the charges against Damon Atkins, a self-proclaimed Christian “street preacher” who was arrested for protesting an LGBTQ Pride event while citing the Bible, have been dropped.
The Berks County District Attorney’s Office stated in a press release that after a careful review of video evidence and relevant legal precedents, they decided to withdraw the charges.
Christian Leinbach, a Berks County Commissioner, criticized the arrest, stating that it may lead to legal consequences for the City of Reading and its police department. The arrest was captured on video by a resident named Matthew Wear.
In the video posted on YouTube, Atkins can be seen engaging in a conversation with Sgt. Bradley McClure, using Bible verses to address the event’s attendees, including drag queens and children. Atkins asserts that the location is public property, a point on which McClure agrees.
At one point, Atkins exclaims, “God cares!” to which McClure responds by urging him to let the event proceed and to show respect for the attendees. Holding a sign that reads “Jesus said go and sin no more,” Atkins claims to be respectful. When asked who supports him, Atkins replies, “The people that are in hell,” explaining that he is referring to a parable from Luke 16:19-31.
As the video continues, McClure momentarily walks away but then returns to handcuff Atkins after he begins citing a Bible verse.
Atkins hands his sign to another protester and attempts to give his bag to a fellow demonstrator, but he is informed by McClure that he cannot transfer his belongings. The arrest receives applause from the Pride event attendees.
Matthew Wear, filming the incident, expresses disbelief at what is happening. Atkins, in an interview with CBN News following the arrest, emphasizes that he does not harbor hatred toward anyone and affirms his commitment to loving his neighbor as taught by Jesus.
It should be noted that an officer from the Reading Police Department mentioned that there was a substantial interaction between Atkins and McClure prior to the recorded video and indicated that there is more to the story.
“I don’t want anyone to think – please don’t think that I hate anyone,” Atkins said in the interview. “I love my neighbor as Lord Jesus has taught me to love myself. That’s why I was there.”
